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Thursday, January 8, 2015

It's FRIDAY! I'm in love.

1) Nice and cool nights! I love this time of year when the weather cools off and there is a little chill in the air.

2) Friday afternoons!!!! I am always grateful for the end of a work week and the beginning of a weekend! Love that!!!!

From the Camera:

Another cute photo of this cute couple.

From the Heart:

In keeping with our theme, acts of kindness, here is another idea....

Sometimes all we need in life is a little spontaneity. Make a conscious effort to act on every single thought of generosity that arises in your heart. Being kind is being happy!

When you feel the urge to laugh, let it out! If you are suddenly possessed with the desire to dance, grab your friend's hand and go for it! Smile at a stranger, or surprise your loved one with a spontaneous weekend away. Live a little!

Benefits:

Being spontaneous is a way of embracing life and all it has to offer. Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today! Be spontaneous and enjoy life a little more. Leave work on time for once. Make a decision to try something you've never done before: try a new sport, play a new instrument, or find a new hobby! You will become a more well-rounded person and much more appreciative of all there is to enjoy in this world if you add a little spontaneity to your lifestyle.

Step It Up:

Include others in your spontaneous moments. If you decide it is time to go on a trip, invite friends along. When you take that ice cream or coffee break, bring your co-workers with you! Make new friends during your spontaneous moments.

Keep It Simple:

If spur of the moment decisions are difficult for you, then simply take the time to slow down. Being spontaneous can simply mean opening your eyes more--take in the world around you. Stop thinking so hard all the time and simply enjoy the weather or the people you are walking with. Make a conscious effort to think of one thing each day that brings you joy.

Layer ingredients (except corn starch) in slow cooker in the order listed, starting with the pork chops. Stir and cover. Cook on low 6 hours.

Combine equal amounts corn starch and water in a mason jar. Close lid. Shake the living tar out of it. Add to sauce. Stir and cover 1 hour.

Serve and enjoy!

COOK'S NOTES: I used a 6 quart oval crockpot. Add chili paste according to your desired heat level. We used 3 tablespoons as we like a little kick. If you prefer it more mild add less, or omit all together. It is fabulous either way.

From the Spirit:

When young Gordon B. Hinckley and Marjorie Pay were engaged to be married, Gordon began to worry about the economic realities of marriage during the depression-ridden 1930s. He called his fiancée and said they needed to talk. They agreed to meet over lunch.

“I think you should know,” he told her, “that I only have $150 to my name.” He added that he only made $185 a month.Marjorie put his fears to rest with her unexpected, optimistic response: “Oh, that will work out just fine; if you’ve got $150, we’re set!”Reflecting on her thoughts that day, Marjorie said, “I had hoped for a husband and now I was getting $150 too!”21 Sister Hinckley’s love and faith empowered her to “fear not” as they started their lives together—a marriage that would become nearly seven decades of love and faith and service.Love gives meaning to life, even amid life’s uncertainties. It is what keeps us going when we feel like giving up; it can be what gets us up in the morning and what settles us into sweet dreams at night. Love is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has no end and no limits. It remains when all else fails. Love never quits and never runs out; it simply endures and overcomes. Indeed, it “never faileth.”

From the Schmidt's:

Danielle text me last night to tell me she had to rush her roommate to Urgent Care last night. I guess she has a tooth ache that was causing her all kinds of grief. Urgent Care got her an antibiotic and some pain meds to get her through the night. Today the roommate is scheduled for an emergency root canal today. This friend of Danielle's has been a good friend of hers since Junior High. So, these two are more like sisters than friends. Luckily Danielle was home when this happened to be able to help her friend. If Danielle would have been working the friend wouldn't have been able to get to her dentist today. Brittney's mom lives in the valley, but she cannot leave the brother alone, and he does not travel well. You see, the brother is a teenager with a form of autism as well as Parkinson's disease. I told Danielle that there was something good that came from her losing her job. She was put in a place to be able to help a friend. We hope Brittney is pain free and feeling better soon. Good luck today at the dentist. More on this to come.

Kyle and Curtis are home with Kevin today. I'm hoping the boys get a jump start on cleaning my house, or at least dishes, so it's not such a "chore" for us all this weekend. I hate it when I work all week and then have to spend my entire weekend working too. Especially when at least one of my children are home during the day, but refuses to help out. It makes me want to bonk them on the head. (Not really, but you get the idea). That is soooo frustrating for me. Sure, I ask. I get mad and they are well aware I am upset and why, but they still do not pitch in. I have a SIL that will hound her children and, in my opinion, belittle her children, to get them to do what she wants done. That is not my style. Sure, her house is clean but at what cost? So, because I am not that kind of mother, guess what I will be doing this weekend......you got it! Cleaning!!! Fun times. Arg! Let it go, right???!!!

Not much more happening at our place right now. I hope you all have a great day and we will talk to you soon. Take care!